NEXT GEN IRELAND? | IRELAND vs FIJI | SELECTION REACTION

[@larrymartyn2019]

As an Irish fan delighted to see a bit of a shake up but it's not wise to ever underestimate Fiji, I think it could be closer than some seem to imagine

[@Daywalker685]

Yeah especially when ireland played samoa and that nearly became one of the biggest upsets last year.

[@SteveWarlee]

No stress, Fiji are somehow great at 7s but union a step too far.

[@Daywalker685]

@@SteveWarlee somehow? 😂

[@FlyFlashToby]

Fiji isn't an easy game, but they aren't top tier either, so this is an ideal game to try new faces and test partnerships

[@calebstephan2083]

​@FlyFlashToby France etc all lost to fiji when they decided with underestimate them and add all their second tier players.

[@unleashedmystery]

I as an Irish fan would rather Ireland down the rankings and working towards a young breed and new style of playing than staying at the top and seeing our lads retire and having younger lads step in with no minutes. Much needed and am excited for this match just to see how the new lads look especially Sam

[@justRedDevil]

Couldn't agree more.

[@hankscorpion9939]

I share that feeling. In the last few years we have proved to ourselves and the rest of the world that we can pretty consistently beat the top teams, and maintain our place at the very very top. After the series win in NZ and the drawn one agains the world champions in SA, the next thing is put ourselves in the best possible position for 2027, and aim for another grand slam (or two) in the meantime. If that means taking a few losses here and there and blooding the new generation, that's fine by me too.

[@Stephno86]

100%

[@johnmc3862]

Rankings are just a measure of consistency. If Ireland are high on the rankings its a sign they are doing well, nothing wrong with it.

[@unleashedmystery]

@@johnmc3862 nothing wrong with it and if giving new players a chance and loads of experience doesn’t change the rankings then fair play but if it does then it’s for the best

[@CormacMaher]

Stockdale is a great player, delighted to see him back

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

I am excited to watch this changed Ireland team on Saturday, win or loose, these guys have to be given an opportunity to gain experience at this level. Fiji are a formidable team. We have been saying for a while now, blood some players, so here we go. Good luck lads. ☘

[@x-latetv-x6816]

Ireland only beat fiji 35-17 last time so not exactly a trashing

[@RazorMouth]

The way you put on the northern accent when you said McCloskey made giggle hard. Very good effort 👍

[@101MIGHTYJOE]

I'm delighted that izzy has been given his debut. I think this guy can create a moment of magic from nothing which is seriously lacking in our team and he is a serious ball carrier and will get us over the gainline which was an issue against ABs and Argentina

[@RossoVerdeNero]

Big Cormac thoroughly deserves this opportunity. He's been great for Ulster this season.

[@christopheroconnell3479]

About time and hopefully McCain isn't to far behind him, id drop Henderson as these 2 are part of the future

[@101MIGHTYJOE]

​@christopheroconnell3479 as a munster fan I'd love to be producing the same quality back five players that ulster are bringing through. Iv been impressed by Sheridan as well. Also if scott Wilson kicks on with the class hookers already in place, ulster could have a serious pack for a number of years

[@edconway8599]

@@101MIGHTYJOEbut Munster are they have Coombs and Hodnet and Ahern

[@johnmurray2995]

Stockdale has had some serious injury issues, which then hit his form when he was playing (between injuries). He's only really got himself back this season. Long may his good health and form continue.

[@patrickbrennan911]

As an Irish man, I would not write off Fiji! The bench will be very important I suspect.

[@alcoyne3333333333333]

Great to see Andys reaction . Needed this

[@henryhealy]

I love the team choice. Not to underestimate Fiji but these are the matches we need to bed in players. Nice mix of experience and freshness.

[@WORS06]

Big test for Sam, it's going to be interesting to see how he deals with Fiji's physicality and power

[@rockandmeatroll]

Not many 21 year old Irish outhalfs get their start like this, serious stuff facing him, gl to him .

[@Dreyno]

I like that team. A lot. Hopefully they all play to their potential though because Fiji can click and put it up to any team.

[@frankkelleher8301]

France v.Argentina will be competitive as well. Ireland Fiji looks like it will be played in a howling gale.

[@x-latetv-x6816]

Storm bert ☹️

[@FlyFlashToby]

Hopefully not

[@owenoneill8173]

Gus McCarthy Is a great player. I can't wait to see him play for the seniors on Saturday.

[@tjobrien8436]

Right on. He's a leader. Great to prendergast and Izechukwu in aswell. Sooner we get the likes of ahern, mccann postlethwaite, edogbo and high gavin in aswell, then the better for irish rugby

[@Rmehigan]

Cian Healy’s first cap was against Australia, Healy will start next week against Australia to become Ireland’s most capped player. Genius move by Farrell

[@EggchasersRugby]

Love that!

[@NickHiltermann]

Good for Ireland. They have to risk losing, in order to build depth. Although I can't see Fiji winning, this is still an excellent Irish team.

[@Dummypass]

As a Fijian, I hate but have to agree with this. That Irish team is still so strong despite bleeding new bodies

[@jmo8934]

Players I would have wanted to see much more of in the Leinster team by now are Jack Boyle, Paddy McCarthy (both looseheads), Fintan Gunn, Aitzol King, Diarmuid Mangan, Alex Soroka, Charlie Tector and of course Sam Prendergast. There are even more. Thats just at Leinster. There are others at all of the other provinces that haven’t been brought through quickly enough. I don’t know if it’s been injuries or what but it can’t be in all cases. Too much of a logjam in some positions with players not shifting provinces enough.

[@DvdHly]

Blame lies with Leo for me, was disappointed to see him get a contract extension. I'm a Munster man but Leinster have massively underachieved the last five years or so and as an Ireland fan I've wanted to see the likes of Gunn and Tector getting game time over the likes of Luke McGrath and Liam Turner. Harsh to say but they're dead wood at this point and holding back the development of promising young players. For me, Cullen's selection is the reason Leinster didn't do the double the past two or three years - key players were bubble wrapped and looked rusty by the time the big games came around. With the pool of talent Leinster have and the players coming through they should have at least won two or three trophies the last few years, but lack of game time for both key and up and coming players held them back

[@inBODwetrust13]

Paddy McCarthy is constantly injured and unavailable.

[@blackfrisbee6050]

Jacob Stockdale played in 2 RWC Warmup matches against Italy and Samoa before being dropped for the official 2023 RWC squad

[@eoinh3816]

Genuinely a shame a player with such talent has an absolutely awful attitude to his basics without the ball and defense.

[@Dreyno]

⁠@@eoinh3816Some people just aren’t good at learning stuff like that. I played with lads that had all the physical gifts and were intelligent in school, college, job etc. but couldn’t be part of a backline move or ever get their defensive positioning right. Ball in hand they were a weapon but without the ball they were, well, the other type of weapon 😂

[@Camcolito]

@@Dreyno To be fair though I probably wouldn't be picking Stockdale for my pub quiz team.

[@eoinh3816]

@@Dreyno It’s such a waste. He’s 6 foot 4 and fast, but honestly his attitude to defending is really distasteful. Hopefully tomorrow he shows a different side

[@scoobydee3954]

Tg for Google eh

[@motodudu]

Supporting Fiji, but the current weather in Europe this week, is going to be brutal for the visitors from the Pacific Islands 🏝️ 🥶 🥶

[@x-latetv-x6816]

Snow today in ireland and a storm over the wknd🙄

[@AnandKumar-p9z]

Most of fijian are playing in Europe

[@patrickbrennan911]

6:30 Henderson is a penalty magnet!

[@davidmangan4]

Ireland are a penalty magnet to be fair. He is a big part of that but it's an overall issue.

[@patrickbrennan911]

@ yeah but not so long ago we gave away the least amount of penalties

[@Natedawg38]

Thank god. Something new. Now this is fresh.

[@Camcolito]

Good overall, Murray and Henderson still somehow hanging around.

[@Natedawg38]

@Camcolito we need dev at scrum half asap. That better be murrays last autumn nations

[@harshbutfair8993]

I think your predictions are usually reasonable Tim, I know Fiji are no Argentina, but as an Irishman we haven't really done enough in the last 2 games to warrant beating a decent side by 20-25, especially with all the changes, I mean I could see it happen, but I think if I had to predict the win I'd be a bit more cautious with it. Anyway with all the changes on both sides, pretty difficult to predict a scoreline. Hoping the younger guys in particular have a good game.

[@ciaranbrk]

No stockdale got a game before the rwc but he defended babdly in a warm. Up. Match and wasn't selected for the rwc squad

[@StefanAFC09]

Your over egging of the Irish became obvious when you said that the quality of the lineout ball is a top attribute. The lineout has been brutal for Ireland

[@TheRPMD]

Bad luck for Tom Stewart of Ulster. Would be him starting at hooker if he wasn't injured.

[@nawzadhogan5130]

Stockdale started at 11 against italy in 2023 during the world cup warmup games

[@Stephendenham]

Expect a lot more photos like that. PrenderGAIT has a swagger.

[@joeritchie2]

Does anyone know what’s up with Levani Botia? I read the he broke an arm or something last spring, not long after he earned his 200th cap for La Rochelle, but that he hoped to be fit in time for the autumn internationals and had not yet retired from test rugby. Has he returned to Top 14 play? The guy is amazing when he’s on form, and I imagine Fiji misses him. Also, does Radradra have a ban for the red card he picked up against Wales?

[@peterriordan4840]

We could see a completely different Irish backline next week with Park, Crowley, Keenan, Ringrose, Lowe all rested and a possibility of Nash coming in

[@johnrehill8196]

Stockdale played in a world cup warmup game against italy before being dropped from the RWC squad

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

And it was in that game that he made a 'dogs dinner' display of bad defense resulting in an Italian try. I am convinced that it was that moment that torpedoed Jacob Stockdale getting to the '23 WC.

[@jimbo0078]

More than tinkering ! Lots of changes

[@tjobrien8436]

The scrum half murphy at connacht is one to get on the mix aswell

[@aidanmasterson50]

Even though Prendergast is 6’3 I reckon we will see a few guys with big footprints going down his channel. It will be a real test for him.

[@eronivatuloka1096]

Thank you for your predictions on the scores.

[@dunlaoghaire]

I'm not remotely as confident as you....😮

[@Driver2616]

This is an opportunity for Fiji. That’s how they’ll be seeing it at any rate. However, it’s a mistake to look at it that way because this much changed 23 is going to cut through the Fijians for fun.

[@InsanelyIrish]

I really don't agree with the depth argument. The only area we lack is props. Farrell rarely makes big changes so a lot of players don't have a chance to show what they could do.

[@SMacCuUladh]

you have to give young players minutes so you don't run out of depth when old heads retire.

[@DoctorPooh-fw1hu]

Sorry, but you're depth is arse even in you're youth ranks, it has always been that way. You people seem to forget that it was a kiwi who changed the way Ireland played and had 3 kiwi rugby educated players to help with HIS!!!! vision of how his team would play the game. Now his vision has been found out, the 3 kiwi's have no more puff in them and Ireland are looking like 2004 England, only they won the world cup, then told everyone their depth is great😂 and now you guys sound like their fans when youth were not good enough. Stop saying rugby is a 4th or 5th sport in you're country, because you don't have any other national teams of any sport that has achieved a higher than you're rugby team has..

[@Camcolito]

@@DoctorPooh-fw1hu Our depth is fine, sorry you feel the way you do.

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

@@DoctorPooh-fw1hu WOW you sound very p’d off but not sure why??

[@RossoVerdeNero]

​@@DoctorPooh-fw1hu You seriously need to calm down, for the good of your health, mate.

[@RossoVerdeNero]

One or two have suggested Fintan Gunne as an alternative to Murray on the bench. Really? He has a total of only 6 appearances and 86 minutes on the pitch for Leinster over a season and a half, all as a replacement. Nathan Doak has a much stronger claim to be brought in as a young but experienced 9. He's 22, has 72 caps for Ulster with 304 points in the bag. Let's hope Doak gets a better chance than John Cooney. Five times since he joined Ulster in 2017, he's been in the URC (or its predecessor) team of the year, but he only has 11 caps. He seems to have resigned himself to being consistently overlooked by Ireland, by extending his contract with Ulster when sides outside Ireland were sniffing after him, but I'm not sure what else the guy was supposed to do to be a regular in the Irish squad. Cooney got his chance with Ulster largely down to the IRFU refusing to allow Ulster to retain Ruan Pienaar. They wanted another Irish-qualified 9. Well, Ulster have that player, but he's largely been ignored, despite regularly being arguably the best in his position. That policy worked well, didn't it? At least Cormac has been given a chance, that's the biggest positive from an Ulster perspective. I hope he grabs it with both hands. McCloskey would a first choice for many international teams; only the fact that we have the riches of Aki, Henshaw and Ringrose have limited his caps, but he has been excellent every time he has pulled on the jersey. He will still be in the plans for the next RWC, so as such needs game time in green, so I've no problem with that pick on the bench. Henderson is similar. Same age, twice a Lion, will still be there come 2027. Big Jacob is an interesting one. Ulster fans would agree that he had two or three below par seasons (hampered by injury). But this season he's been on fire for Ulster, and I would ask the question of those who question his defensive capabilities, how much have they watched him? Are you basing your assessment on old data? Andy Farrell clearly thinks he's not a weak link or he wouldn't pick him.

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

Like it or not, John Cooney is not as complete a #9 in the same sense as JGP, Connor Murray, Caolin Blade, Craig Casey or, Nathan Doak. He is a far better place kicker - and THAT is the one area he excels in.

[@RossoVerdeNero]

​@@fawltyoldboybasil.2178 I take your point, but does 5 times in the team of the season count for nothing? And it wasn't just for his place-kicking. I don't know how much you have watched him, but he regularly dictates games from 9. Not as good as Pienaar was, but bloody good, nevertheless.

[@Camcolito]

I'd try Murphy from Connacht, been great in the URC.

[@RossoVerdeNero]

​@Camcolito I'd certainly put Murphy ahead of Gunne - he's certainly on form and getting plenty of minutes in this season's URC. But I still maintain that Doak deserves a chance. For a 22-year-old, he's already pretty battle-hardened playing with the big boys. I think the Gunne suggestion is only coming from those who can't remove their blue-tinted glasses when they should be using green ones. The guy has so little experience at senior level it would be a massive punt.

[@eoinh3816]

@@RossoVerdeNeroCan you provide me with Ulsters results in the European cup from last year, you know, the competition that actually reflects more of international rugby rather than Dragons and Zebre

[@nidgeot9968]

No choice really with Australia next week… main issue I have is with that many changes you’re not always giving guys a fair shake. Like maybe izuchukwu would be great if you slotted him into the first 15 but struggles in a disjointed team and then what do you conclude? I mostly hope every player feels they have (and actually has) a serious chance to break into the first 15 with a good performance.

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

Disjointed performances are an inevitability of introducing new players to a team.

[@Camcolito]

Good point but at least they all get minutes. As long as they don't get minutes and then we go straight back to the old guard for the 6 Nations.

[@FlyFlashToby]

There will be a lot of traffic heading down Prendergast channel

[@alanmulcahy7749]

Delighted that Gus McC has got a chance so early & great to see Cormac I making it (after an interesting rugby journey). I assume Cian P is there on merit & not just to to mind his little brother !!!

[@dublin7]

I don't have many complaints about the Farrell/Ireland administration but one of the few complaints is that up until this game, he hasn't blooded in enough new players to replace players who have reached their sell by date. I love the War God Peter O'Mahony but players like Ryan Baird, Cormac Izuchukwu and Tom Ahern have what it takes to be better than the level that O'Mahony has been at for the last 12 months. The same with Cian Healy, Michael Milne, Tom O'Toole and Jack Boyle just need experience to surpass what Healy is doing now. I would like to see Ireland move away from the Conor Murray safety blanket and bring in a player like Ben Murphy who looks rapid this season. It seems to be that you have to be absolutely undeniable to get into the Ireland squad as a young player. The only players that have done that in recent times is Joe McCarthy and Sam Prendergast. Here is to hoping that Ireland push players into the overall Irish panel so they can push the existing players to up their level of play or be replaced by those who are hungry to prove themselves and who have something else to offer.

[@dermotporter5280]

Stockdale cannot tackle to save his life .The youngsters coming in is great.The power of Fiji might be a big problem for Ireland.

[@SMacCuUladh]

if he couldn't tackle to save his life his name wouldn't be on the team sheet.

[@Esse-vp1bc]

Stockdale has been good in the Ireland shirt in the past. His form dipped but he's been playing very well for Ulster recently, plus he is quite a unit.

[@x-latetv-x6816]

Jacob might shockdale us lets see

[@amantedellopera1681]

​@@SMacCuUladhit's there because Lowe is rested and Jimmy o brien injured,he's not a bad player just can't defend and Farnell won't trust him in a bigger game maybe today he can prove me and other doubters wrong

[@johnmaguire7361]

I thought I remembered Stockdale playing in one of the RWC warm up games last year, but you might be right.

[@fomora12]

stockdale,surely theres a better option than him as a nod to the next generation, and poter need a better replacement

[@x-latetv-x6816]

I know hugh gavin is a centre but i wonder if slotting him in wing could work

[@kevinarenhold384]

Great to see this but would have preferred some new faces instead of Henderson, Murray and Mcclosky. Especially at scrumhalf!!

[@canyonsurfer2426]

@kevinarenhold384: Agree, for instance Gunne for Murray on the bench.

[@Camcolito]

Agree but it's better than I expected overall.

[@kevinarenhold384]

@Camcolito 100%. Quite exciting

[@kevinarenhold384]

@Camcolito 100%. Quite exciting

[@Colm-wk9zw]

Andy has matched Rassie by playing a set of brothers - Prendergasts for Ireland, Hendrikse's for SA. Delighted with the changes as things like this, test them and see if they are up for it and test the lads ahead of them and possibly wake them up. As a Connacht fan, I am generally happy but would prefer Cian Prendergast to be starting also as he's been the best 6 so far in the URC in Ireland. 2nd edit 🇮🇪 actually have x2 sets of brothers on their 23.

[@nathan._.h]

gus mccarthy is not joe's brother- up and coming prop paddy mccarthy is though

[@Colm-wk9zw]

@nathan._.h "we've been foiled again, smithers!"

[@MattRose-f2n]

I don't understand four centers in the team to be honest, Ireland are really really really struggling to produce anything on the wing... O'Tool is all of a sudden a loosehead now too!? outside of that, amazing to see the wealth of talent finally coming through in the pack and half-backs! Gus McCarthy doesn't have a pro-contract and there he is, what an achievement!!

[@Lokitai_reggae]

Interesting line up for a physical Fiji.

[@dermotbergin3219]

Stockdale did play against Samoa last year before the world cup

[@Irish780]

Need to be done ages ago

[@Jon-bk2yw]

Good opportunity for the new Ireland players against a tough Fiji team

[@poo2764]

Let there be light! Figi should never be underestimated. Wales to beat South Africa. Italy to beat New Zealand and if my aunt had you know what she would be my uncle. ☘☘☘☘☘☘☘Japan to beat England🎌🚮👼

[@Gilescowdemdem]

Don't know much about URC but do Ireland have some long term issues in terms of depth and quality of player coming through? Saw somewhere that the average age of their starting team is 30+ and they havent't been blooding many new caps this year.

[@Kenny-zn6dl]

We always had an issue with depth, that's going to be a problem for a small country when rugby is 4th or 5th choice in terms of playing numbers, I would have preferred if Farrell changed the entire team for Saturday, first 15 fully fit would win easily, second 15 I'm not so sure, but these are the games you really find out who's good enough for the next level.

[@Munstermarty]

​@@Kenny-zn6dlgood to see Osborne in, looks like he has gas which we lack in comparison to the SA, France, All blacks

[@dazza4345]

28.6 for Ireland in the last game and Sa was 29.6

[@Camcolito]

@@Kenny-zn6dl It's better to bring in a good few new guys but not an entirely new team imo.

[@Analytical2000]

I would like if Ireland admitted a B team or an Emerging Ireland team in the Rugby Europe Championship with all the youngsters and senior players who are on the fringes to help build depth and give the likes of Georgia, Portugal, Romania, and Spain game time

[@Stephno86]

Its great to see some new faces, but i still cant understand why Henderson and murray are on the bench, these tests are great to blood new players, not drag along the old guard that do nothing but add to a penno count

[@theidiot1297]

I’d favour Fiji in this fixture based on those lineups.

[@Camcolito]

The aptly-named.

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

@@Camcolito you took the words right out of my mouth 😂

[@Camcolito]

@@lizzyhanahoe4197 ;)

[@petermervyn9263]

Fiji are under no pressure and could win this game. I think it will be close.

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

Most of the Irish journos & podcasters are expecting an Ireland win in another close game. No blowout being promoted.

[@RossoVerdeNero]

I hope it is close. These lads need experience of close games

[@naraiceylob]

Regarding Tom O'Toole the Irish management team identified O'Toole as a potential loosehead last March. They lent O'Toole's club (Ulster) the Irish scrum coach for a few months to explore the potential of switching O'Toole to loosehead. It wasn't picked up on by Ulster as there was a TH retirement in the Ulster squad. Regarding Bundee he was used as a blunt bludgeoner for the entire All Black game. He needed a rest after that.

[@SPEED-si4xy]

Big mistake by Farrell....this team will meltdown if Fiji goes beastmode....Fiji loves putting big teams to the sword. Scotland, France, England, Australia, Wales and now Ireland look to be on their casualty list.

[@seanhoran9665]

Haha why? So many strong players. Nonsense

[@SPEED-si4xy]

​​@@seanhoran9665Because Fiji doesn't rate the six nations teams as above them....they not selecting 23 players from 23 different clubs anymore and trying to put them as a team.....they are mostly Drua blended with northern hemisphere stars.

[@romanutd]

​@@SPEED-si4xyDoesn't matter how they rate the 6 nations, you've got to mix it up at some point and this on paper is the best game to do it, there is also plenty of experience in that Ireland team.

[@michaelramsay-fraser7076]

Errr. Scotland beat Fiji 57 - 17 a couple of weeks ago.

[@SPEED-si4xy]

​@@michaelramsay-fraser7076 This team is not fazed by one off failures such as the NZ or Scotland game.....all teams lose a few and have bad games maybe 2/10. Fiji is looking to go further up and are eyeing the 2027 World Cup now....they came very close to making top 4 in 2023....England just won by six in the quarterfinals.

[@dazza9859]

Jacob Stockdale played his last game for Ireland only a year ago..

[@diarmuidquirke4604]

I think stocko played against Samoa before world cup

[@kevincallaghan3212]

You forgot thr french pumas game friday night mate

[@daag3805]

England are getting a hard press right now but I've said it before and il say it again...they are looking better than Ireland right now.. I feel ireland are on a dip whereas England just are not sparking...when they get it right (probably by bringing in a new head coach) they could be lethal, especially with Marcus Smith pulling the strings

[@x-latetv-x6816]

Id like to see fintan gunne called up

[@RossoVerdeNero]

Why? Just because he's from Leinster? He only has 6 appearances as a replacement in the URC. Put him in the Emerging Ireland squad by all means, but there's no way he's ready for the full team with 86 minutes for Leinster under his belt over 1½ seasons. Nathan Doak has a much stronger claim.

[@x-latetv-x6816]

@RossoVerdeNero no im a munster man and we are lacking depth so getting guys like gunne in quicker is better

[@x-latetv-x6816]

@RossoVerdeNero i dont care about claims i care about spark, gunne has a spark, i dont get that from doak. But for sure give him a chance he may give me a spark

[@gerrycallaghan5519]

Jesus even you retiring crowley 24 after 8 caps. You drinking the leisnter coolaid

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

No, Tim is not saying that. He is just talking about the 'chatter' on the Ireland Out-half Jersey. Most of us Leinster fans agree that Jack Crowley has deservedly won that position by his play. Where are you coming up with this 'leinster coolaid' drivel?

[@patrickporter1864]

The Dublin Media and their leinster bias is bad enough. Everyone dips.

[@cathalodiubhain5739]

táimid ag dúil go mbeidh an bua againn

[@SMacCuUladh]

Eire abu!

[@christianmccann9400]

Slainte

[@RossoVerdeNero]

I'm as passionate an Irish fan as any, but I really don't see the point in posting on an English-language channel in a language that only a small minority of people across the whole of Ireland actually use on a daily basis. It really doesn't make you a billy-big-balls Ireland fan. At least Google Translate was there to help me out, like it's there for the vast, vast majority of other consumers of this site who won't have had a clue what you posted. Can we discuss the rugby in a common language, please? I have toyed with the idea of learning Irish, but I'm too old a dog now to learn that trick. But just to humour you, and thanks to Google, Tá súil agam, cosúil leatsa, go mbeidh an bua againn le feidhmíocht iontach. I couldn't tell you which word matches which of those I typed into Google Translate, so if it has cocked up the translation, don't blame me! 😊 Actually, when I think about it, your post was so devoid of any real comment about the rugby ("we want to win" doesn't exactly add a great deal to the conversation), I'm wondering whether you just put it up there in Irish to make some sort of point, and maybe even you just used Google Translate like me...

[@joebloggs1356]

Ireland cant really impact their world ranking so why not blood new guys? South Africa are doing the same.

[@aonghus3860]

They could impact it by losing to Fiji

[@Camcolito]

They are blooding new guys.

[@x-latetv-x6816]

​@@Camcolitonot enough

[@RossoVerdeNero]

World ranking, I would suggest, is quite well down Farrell's priority list. You don't get any cups for being No.1 in a statistical table.

[@aonghus3860]

@@RossoVerdeNero I would suggest you are very wrong there. The RWC draw is in Jan 2026 and the seedings come from the world ranking positions. Farrell is careful about bringing in new players because he wants Ireland to keep on winning their games. I would imagine that a significant reason for that is because he wants Ireland to stay in a good position on the world rankings in order to get a favorable world cup draw

[@normanstewart7130]

RWC 2027 starts here!

[@gordonjoyce6651]

Ireland v somoa in Aug 23 for stockdale

[@zealanCA]

If there is an upset this weekend, its this one

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

Fiji by 5 🤫

[@LenTuesday]

😅

[@dazza4345]

Cmon Wales v SA👍

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

@@dazza4345 Wrong video Darren. Tell us you were triggered without telling us ... How does it feel to be the fish on the hook who took the bait?

[@Mojo16011973]

Tuisova over Aki? Nahh

[@dandreehlers9817]

Honestly irelnad dont rotate enough....its going to cost them

[@eamonkelly36]

Dream on sunshine 20 pionts at least😅😅

[@inBODwetrust13]

Shame that he's set Gus McCarthy up to fail with the grossly incompetent Beirne running the worst lineout in world rugby continuing to fail upwards

[@propellerhead428]

Go Fiji!!!!

[@mickser101]

Ding Ding Ding. Here come the Saffer trolls

[@newyorkeyerish]

Nothing else ​@mickser101 to do there.

[@mickser101]

@@newyorkeyerish They're a horrid bunch.

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Now there’s a surprise 😮

[@StopTheRot]

Ireland really need a shake up. They’re not the force they were a few years ago.

[@Mata-Miramar]

Ireland is a team in decline. Fiji for the win

[@MrJonnyd81]

😂😂😂😂 what a clown you are , thanks for the laugh though 🤡

[@RossoVerdeNero]

Another valuable piece of insight... 😂😂😂

[@aidanmasterson50]

Only thing in decline is spelling.

[@groMMit1981]

Is this next gen Ireland rugby team more Irish, or even more imported mercenaries?

[@RossoVerdeNero]

You could do your own homework, but to save you the bother and give you more time to grind that axe of yours, all the players brought in to the 23 are home-grown. You might be wondering about Izuchukwu, just based on his name. London born, Irish mother, Nigerian father, lived in Ireland since he was 7. I'm on record with plenty of criticism of the World Rugby rules for eligibility. I would prefer much, much narrower criteria, even though our team would take a hit: so would just about all the other Tier 1 teams, with the possible exception of the Boks - i haven't researched that one. But big Cormac passes any test of Irishness with flying colours. The future is bright, the future is green!

[@groMMit1981]

@@RossoVerdeNero No need to be tetchy. It's not your fault you're a little state of short drunks having to import players. Argentina is the other team besides the Bokke, so no need to do your homework as you'd put it.

[@willemsteyn7808]

Playing a weak side and they make only 3 changes. Ireland are scared of losing to a minnow with their B side.

[@readesiun988]

A lot more than 3 changes

[@Camcolito]

@@readesiun988 Don't be too hard on him, they only go to school for 2 years in SA.

[@newyorkeyerish]

Jesus - at least do a bit of research ya wally. More than 3 changes and I'm not doing the work for you.

[@huamiify]

There's 7 changes to the starting line up and an almost entirely new bench.

[@readesiun988]

@@huamiify Your making it too easy for him